On transfer deadline day, Leeds United surprisingly pulled off a deal to sign Ao Tanaka from Fortuna Düsseldorf.
Leeds have already had a €2.5m (£2.1m) offer rejected by the German club and they would not budge for any less than €4m (£3.4m).
Fortuna weren’t expecting Leeds to return with little time left in the window, but they were back again and this time slapped a €3.5m (£2.9m) bid on the table, backed up by bonuses of €500k (approx £421k).
A Smart Move for Leeds United
They accepted the bid as they only had 11 months left on his contract although Fortuna Düsseldorf did not want to sell Tanaka.
Bundesliga’s official website went so far as to compare Tanaka with Jude Bellingham in a piece about his potential, due to how composed and comfortable he is on the ball for someone of his tender age.
The 25-year-old Japanese midfielder made his first appearance against Hull City and underlined his class in just ten minutes on the field.
On 20 passing attempts, Tanaka completed 90% of his passes and made key interceptions as to why he is viewed as a foundational value signing.
There is a hope from Leeds fans that Tanaka can be more of a key player for the club this season.
Tanaka’s Potential Impact
Still only 25, Tanaka can improve and is a player with the potential to excel in the Championship.
Being a two-footed player with progressive passing ability and composure on the ball will be his most composed qualities throughout.
Leeds may have unearthed a hidden gem in Tanaka and his deal could be one of top coups this summer.
With his promising start, Leeds United supporters are excited to see how Tanaka will impact the team as they aim for promotion.
The Whites have shown ambition by securing Tanaka, and his journey at Elland Road is just beginning.
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